The Science of Reading

Author Study: Beverly Cleary for 3rd Grade

Part 1: Supporting Fluency and Comprehension Strategies

Grade Level: 3rd Grade

Author: Beverly Cleary

Titles of Books:

• “Ramona the Pest”
• “Ramona Quimby, Age 8”
• “Henry Huggins”
• “Beezus and Ramona”
• “The Mouse and the Motorcycle”

Brief Biography of Beverly Cleary:

Beverly Cleary, born on April 12, 1916, in McMinnville, Oregon, spent her early years on a farm in the small town of Yamhill. The town was so tiny that it lacked a library, but Cleary’s mother ensured that books were sent from the state library, fostering Beverly’s love for reading from a young age. This early exposure to literature inspired her lifelong passion for books. Cleary pursued a career as a librarian before venturing into writing children’s books. Her narratives are celebrated for their relatable characters and humorous plots, which have captivated young readers for generations (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.).

Cleary’s works are particularly suitable for 3rd graders as they explore themes of family, friendship, and personal growth—topics that are highly relevant to children at this stage of development. Her characters, such as Ramona Quimby and Henry Huggins, navigate everyday challenges and adventures that mirror the experiences of her readers, making her stories both engaging and educational (JSTOR Daily, 2016).

Rationale for Choosing Beverly Cleary:

Beverly Cleary’s books are exceptionally well-suited for 3rd graders due to their engaging narratives, relatable characters, and accessible language. Her stories depict everyday situations and challenges that resonate deeply with young readers. Characters like Ramona Quimby and Henry Huggins navigate common childhood experiences—school, family dynamics, and friendships—which helps children see themselves in the stories and fosters a deeper connection to the text.

Moreover, Cleary’s writing style is both approachable and captivating, making it easier for young readers to develop their reading fluency and comprehension skills. The humor and warmth in her books keep students interested and motivated to read, while the realistic scenarios provide ample opportunities for discussion and critical thinking. This combination of engaging content and educational value makes Beverly Cleary’s books an excellent choice for 3rd-grade author studies, supporting both literacy development and a love for reading.

Comprehension Strategies

1. Making Connections:

   Example: While reading “Ramona Quimby, Age 8,” students can draw parallels between their own experiences and Ramona’s feelings of nervousness about starting a new school year. By discussing similar personal experiences, students can better relate to the story, enhancing their understanding and engagement.

2. Visualizing:

   Example: In “The Mouse and the Motorcycle,” students can create illustrations of key scenes as they read, such as Ralph riding the motorcycle. This visualization helps form mental images, improving comprehension and retention of the story’s details.

Fluency Activities

1. Reader’s Theater:

   Activity: Students dramatize a scene from “Beezus and Ramona” by performing it as a play. This promotes expressive reading and helps practice appropriate pacing and intonation, enhancing overall fluency.

2. Choral Reading:

   Activity: The class engages in choral reading by reading a passage from “Henry Huggins” together. This builds confidence and fluency as students read aloud in unison, providing support for those who may be less fluent.

These strategies make reading interactive and enjoyable, supporting the development of essential literacy skills in young readers.

Part 2: Supporting Vocabulary

Chosen Book: “Ramona the Pest”

Vocabulary Words:

• Tier 1: School, friend, teacher
• Tier 2: Annoy, curious, frustrated
• Tier 3: Kindergarten, recess, principal

Vocabulary Strategies:

1. Tier 1 Words:

   Strategy: Word Walls - Establish a word wall in the classroom featuring words like “school,” “friend,” and “teacher.” This visual aid allows students to reference these words when writing or discussing the book, reinforcing understanding and usage.

2. Tier 2 Words:

   Strategy: Context Clues - Teach students to use context clues to decipher meanings of words like “annoy,” “curious,” and “frustrated.” Examining surrounding text helps infer meanings, enhancing vocabulary comprehension.

3. Tier 3 Words:

   Strategy: Explicit Instruction - Provide direct instruction on specialized terms such as “kindergarten,” “recess,” and “principal.” Utilize visuals and real-life examples, encouraging students to use them in sentences to solidify understanding.

These strategies help students expand their vocabulary and improve their ability to understand and use new words in various contexts.

Part 3: Culminating Activity

Culminating Activity: Book Trailer Project

Description: Students create an engaging book trailer for one of Beverly Cleary’s books. This project requires summarizing the story, highlighting key vocabulary, and demonstrating comprehension and fluency skills. By producing a visual and auditory representation, students deepen their understanding and make connections between the text and multimedia elements.

Technology Tool:

• Tool: iMovie or Windows Movie Maker
• Integration: Students use these tools to create and edit their book trailers, incorporating text, images, and voiceovers to bring their trailers to life while practicing technological and creative skills.

Cross-Curricular Content:

• Skills: Writing, Art, Technology
• Integration: The project integrates multiple subjects. Students write scripts, create storyboards, and use technology to produce their trailers, enhancing writing skills, artistic abilities, and technological proficiency.

Listening and Speaking Skills:

• Strategy: Peer Review Sessions
• Integration: Students present their book trailers to the class and participate in peer review sessions, practicing listening and speaking skills as they provide and receive constructive feedback.

Differentiation Strategies:

• ELLs: Provide sentence starters and visual aids to support vocabulary and comprehension, helping English Language Learners understand and complete the project successfully.
• Early Finishers: Allow them to create additional trailers or explore advanced editing techniques, keeping them engaged and challenged.
• Gifted Students: Encourage deeper character analysis or creating a series of trailers for multiple books, providing an opportunity to extend their learning.
• Students with Disabilities: Offer alternative formats, such as a storyboard or written summary, and provide additional support as needed to ensure all students can participate and succeed.

This author study on Beverly Cleary enhances students’ reading skills and engages them in a creative, interactive learning experience, making literature come alive through technology and collaboration.

References

Encyclopedia Britannica. (n.d.). Beverly Cleary. In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Beverly-Cleary

JSTOR Daily. (2016). Beverly Cleary at age 100. JSTOR Daily. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://daily.jstor.org/beverly-cleary-age-100/